Word game

ABSTRACT

A word game for includes a random number generator and a deck of topic cards, each topic card having a topic on a front side thereof and a plurality of categories on a back side thereof. The method of playing includes: shuffling the deck; picking a Round Leader; drawing a topic card; selecting a Round Category using a random number generator; determining a Round Word Count using the random number generator; setting a predetermined time limit for response; fashioning a Round Response based upon the Round Category within the predetermined time limit wherein the number of words of each Round Response must equal the Round Word Count; reciting, in turn by each of the players, a respective Round Response; awarding a point to the player deemed to provide the best respective Round Response; and determining the winner based upon which of the players has accumulated the most points.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/694,626 filed Apr. 14, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of Invention

This application relates, in general, to a word game that fosters creativity.

Description of Related Art

Playing games are a popular source of entertainment. The gaming industry is reported to be valued at US$200B annually. While many games are based simply upon chance, other games reflect an interest people have in gaming, sporting, competition, intellectual enhancement, vocabulary expansion, increased knowledge, relationship development, and personal and community enrichment. And many popular tabletop games (e.g., chess, checkers, Scrabble^(®), Pictionary^(®), etc.) focus on strategy and “playing your opponent” rather than on chance.

While the above-mentioned games are enjoyable, it would be beneficial to have a word game that is based on creativity, mental flexibility, mental adroitness, and humor.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of playing a word game among a plurality of players. The word game may include a random number generator and a deck of topic cards, each topic card having a topic on a front side thereof and a plurality of categories on a back side thereof. The method may include:

-   (a) shuffling the deck of topic cards; -   (b) picking a first one of the players as a Round Leader;     -   (i) drawing a topic card, by the Round Leader, from a top of the         deck of topic cards and turning the drawn topic card over to         reveal the corresponding categories on the back side thereof to         the remaining players;     -   (ii) selecting one of the corresponding categories as a Round         Category using a random number generator;     -   (iii) determining a Round Word Count using the random number         generator;     -   (iv) reading the Round Category, by the Round Leader, to the         remaining players;     -   (v) setting, by the Round Leader, a predetermined time limit for         response;     -   (vi) fashioning a Round Response, by each of the remaining         players, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned based upon         the Round Category within the predetermined time limit, and         wherein the number of words of each Round Response must equal         the Round Word Count;     -   (vii) reciting, in turn by each of the remaining players, a         respective Round Response fashioned by each of the remaining         players;     -   (viii) awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the         remaining players, a point to the remaining player deemed to         provide the best respective Round Response; and -   (c) repeating each of the steps (i) through (viii) until all of the     players have a turn as Round Leader; and -   (d) determining the winner based upon which of the players has     accumulated the most points.

The deck of topic cards may include topic cards formed of card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blends, and/or thin plastic.

The word game according to claim 1, wherein the deck of topic cards may include 80 cards, each topic card having one of 20 topics on the front side thereof, and each topic card having 5 descriptive categories on the back side thereof, each of the 5 descriptive categories relating to the corresponding topic on corresponding front side.

The random number generator may include a pair of dice, and wherein selecting one of the corresponding categories may be accomplished by rolling one of the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, to select one of the corresponding categories as a Round Category.

Designating the Round Word Count may be accomplished by rolling the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, to designate the Round Word Count.

Selecting a first one of the players may be accomplished by each of the players rolling one of the pair of dice, with the Round Leader being the player having the highest roll.

The pair of dice may include a pair of six-sided cubes with each side having a different number of dots ranging from one to six.

The plurality of categories on each topic card may include five categories, and wherein the rolling a first die may be accomplished with a roll of one to five selecting a corresponding category as the Round Category and a roll of six allowing the Round Leader to select any of the corresponding categories as the Round Category.

The word game may further include a plurality of timers, each timer having a different predetermined time of 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, wherein the Round Leader sets the predetermined time limit by actuating one of the timers.

The word game may further include score-keeping tokens, and wherein the method further including distributing the score-keeping tokens among the players, and wherein awarding may be accomplished by awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the remaining players, a token to the remaining player deemed to provide the best respective Round Response, and wherein determining the winner may be based upon which of the players has accumulated the most tokens.

The Round Response may be fashioned beginning with the phrase “If Only ... ”.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of playing a word game among a plurality of players. The word game may include score-keeping tokens, a pair of dice, and a deck of topic cards, each topic card having a topic on a front side thereof and a plurality of categories on a back side thereof. The method may include:

-   (a) distributing the score-keeping tokens among the players; -   (b) shuffling the deck of topic cards and placing the shuffled deck     on a playing surface between the players with the front sides facing     up; -   (c) picking a first one of the players as a Round Leader;     -   (i) drawing a topic card, by the Round Leader, from the top of         the deck of topic cards and turning the drawn topic card over to         reveal the corresponding categories on the back side thereof to         the remaining players;     -   (ii) rolling one of the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, on         the playing surface to select one of the corresponding         categories as a Round Category;     -   (iii) rolling the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, on the         playing surface to determine a Round Word Count;     -   (iv) reading the Round Category, by the Round Leader, to the         remaining players;     -   (v) setting a timer, by the Round Leader, to set a predetermined         time limit for response;     -   (vi) fashioning a Round Response, by each of the remaining         players, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned based upon         the Round Category within the predetermined time limit, and         wherein the number of words of each Round Response must equal         the Round Word Count;     -   (vii) reciting, in turn by each of the remaining players, a         respective Round Response fashioned by each of the remaining         players;     -   (viii) awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the         remaining players, a token to the remaining player deemed to         provide the best respective Round Response; and -   (d) repeating each of the steps (i) through (viii) until all of the     players have a turn as Round Leader; and -   (e) determining the winner based upon which of the players has     accumulated the most tokens.

The score-keeping tokens may include chips and/or coins.

The pair of dice may include a pair of six-sided cubes with each side having a different number of dots ranging from one to six.

The plurality of categories on each topic card may include five categories, and wherein the rolling a first die may be accomplished with a roll of one to five selecting a corresponding category as the Round Category and a roll of six allowing the Round Leader to select any one of the corresponding categories as the Round Category.

The deck of topic cards may include topic cards formed of card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blends, thin plastic and/or laminations.

The deck of topic cards may include 80 cards, each topic card having one of 20 topics on the front side thereof, and each topic card having 5 descriptive categories on the back side thereof, each of the 5 descriptive categories relating to the corresponding topic on corresponding front side.

The word game may further include a plurality of timers, each timer having a different predetermined time of 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, wherein the Round Leader sets the predetermined time limit by actuating one of the timers.

The selecting a first one of the players may be accomplished by each of the players rolling one of the pair of dice, with the Round Leader being the player having the highest roll.

The Round Response may be fashioned beginning with the phrase “If Only ... ”.

The various embodiments of the present invention(s) have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain the principles disclosed herein, and the advantages thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of an exemplary word game in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an illustrative view of an exemplary deck of topic cards used with the word game of FIG. 1 and several cards of the deck showing several exemplary topics provided on the top sides of the cards.

FIG. 2B is an illustrative view of several cards of the deck shown in FIG. 2A showing exemplary categories corresponding to one of the topics, the categories provided on the bottom sides of the cards.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative view of the game of FIG. 1 during an early stage of play.

FIG. 3B is an illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A showing a topic card selected and turned over to reveal its corresponding categories.

FIG. 3C is an illustrative view similar to FIG. 3B showing a die rolled to select which category is to be used.

FIG. 3D is an illustrative view similar to FIG. 3C showing a pair of die rolled to determine a Round Word Count to be used.

FIG. 3E is an illustrative view similar to FIG. 3D showing a timer set to track a predetermined time limit to be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for the word game of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of an exemplary game board that may be used to play the word game in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of described embodiments.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for playing a word game that fosters creativity, mental flexibility, mental adroitness, and humor. The word game may pertain to multiple fields of endeavor, including but not limited to, gaming, fun for family and friends, organizational development such as brain storming and strategizing, new hire orientation to quickly help new employees learn about an organization’s culture, team building and development to quickly help colleagues learn about each other, classroom and education applications appropriate for middle schools through the university level, personal and professional events such as school reunions and family reunions, civic and community organizational use providing a good icebreaker and tool for meetings, topical group use to quickly explore issues and solutions for its members, dating including singles events, libraries for use in their community programs, as well as other fields. The word game is well suited for use by gamers, educators, organizational entities (both non-profit and for-profit), event planners, librarians, government entities, various service providers, and everyone else that may benefit from the use of this word game.

In various embodiments, the word game may be called “If Only... A Word Game of Endless Possibilities”, and it may be based on the rivalry between players for whomever gives the best answer to the phrase “If Only...” while basing their answers on certain parameters. As the word game described herein promotes creativity, it may intellectually and creatively challenge its players, which may in turn increase quality of life and decrease stress of its players.

The word game may be a party word game in which the players complete the phrase “If Only...” basing answers on diverse topics and categories while using a randomly predetermined number of words in each answer within a selected amount of time. As such, the word game promotes personal creativity, imagination, and curiosity. The general concepts of the word game are well suited for card games (with certain accoutrements), board games, and/or electronic games.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which shows an exemplary word game 30 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The word game generally includes a deck 32 of topic cards, a random number generator 33, and one or more timers 35. The word game may also include score keeping tokens 37, and it may include a game board 39 used in conjunction with the random number generator and the deck of topic cards.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, deck 32 of topic cards includes a number of topic cards 40 (e.g., eighty topic cards) having a first side or top 42 bearing one of various topics (e.g., twenty topics), and a second side or back 44 bearing a number of categories (e.g., five categories) relating to the topic on the first side. Each topic may include something of interest that is woven into the fabric of our lives and current culture, while the categories may correspond to particular facets of the respective topics.

For example, there may be twenty prescribed topics on the tops of the topic cards (see, e.g., FIG. 2A), and each topic may have twenty prescribed descriptive categories on the backs of the topic cards (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In various embodiments, each individual topic card may have five categories on its back side corresponding to the topic on its top side. As an individual topic card is drawn, and a specific category selected, the drawn topic and selected category become the basis for player answers, as described in detail below. Briefly, a Round Leader draws a topic card from the deck, turns it over revealing the categories, and selects the specific category using a random number generator.

One will appreciate that the number of topic cards, the number of topics, and/or the number of categories may vary. In various embodiments, providing five categories on each topic card is particularly well suited to playing with a random number generator in the form of conventional dice. For example, a roll of a single six-sided die by the Round Leader resulting in a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 may select a specific one of five categories, while a roll resulting in a “6” may provide a “freebie” or “wildcard” allowing the Round Leader to select a category of their choice. One will also appreciate that other types of die/dice may be utilized with a number of categories provided corresponding to the numbers or symbols provided on each side of the die/dice.

Regarding the topics, a topic may be an idea, a question, a subject, a theme, or the like that is pertinent in today’s world. The following is an exemplary list of topics that may be used in conjunction with the word game: “Traveling Around the World in 80 Minutes””; “All Over the Place Geography”; “Delicious Delights”; “Biggest Communication Mistakes”; “Past Present and Future Relationships”; “T.E.C.H. Wizardry”; “It Takes All Kinds of Animals”; “Blankity Blank”; “Art Lovers”; “Celebrations & Whoopla”; “Awesomely Good Entertainment”; “Waaay Back History”; “Weather Permitting”; “Enjoy the Ride”; “Over the Top Sports”; “Feelings From A-Z”; “Music Mania”; “Zeitgeist (Trending Culture)”; and “Really? Politics and (In)Famous People”. One will appreciate that the actual topics used may vary dependent upon various versions, themes, and/or other parameters of the word game.

The deck may have one or more “freebies” or “wildcards” to bring an unknown or unpredictable element to the word game. For example, the deck may be provided with 76 topic cards, each having five salient categories on its back side pertaining to the corresponding topic printed on its top side, and the remaining four cards may be “Blankity Blank” cards providing a wildcard that allows the Round Leader to choose any topic they want.

Regarding categories, a category is a specialized idea and/or subject based on the topics. The following is an exemplary list of categories that may be used in conjunction with the “It Takes All Kinds of Animals” topic: “Enormous”; “Tiny”; “Humming & Singing Birds”; “Swimming”; “Two or Four Legged”; “Slithering, Scuttling & Scampering”; “Fuzzy Baby”; “Nesting”; “Digging”; “Spotted or Striped”; “Jumping”; “Poisonous”; “Song of the Ocean”; “Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh My!”; “Home Sweet Home Pets”; “Dancing Farm Animals”; “Canopy Cavorters”; “Slithering into the River”; “Burrowing in the Desert”; and “Swinging in the Jungle”. Again, one will appreciate that the actual categories may vary depending upon differing versions, themes, and/or other parameters of the word game.

In various embodiments, the topic cards may be formed of card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blends, thin plastic, laminations, and/or other suitable materials.

In various embodiments, the random number generator may include one or more die. For example, a pair of dice may be provided with the word game allowing (1) selecting of a Round Leader by the highest roll of a die (or the dice) by the players, (2) choosing of a Round Category by the roll of a die (or the dice) by the Round Leader, and (3) determining a Round Word Count by a roll of the dice (or a die) by the Round Leader, as discussed in greater detail below.

The dice may be conventional six-sided cubes with each side having a different number of dots ranging from one to six. And as noted above, other types of die/dice may be utilized with a number of categories provided corresponding to the numbers or symbols provided on each side of the die/dice.

One will appreciate that other types of random number generators may be utilized including, but not limited to, physical generators, mechanical generators, or electronic generators. Physical generators may include four-sided die (D4), six-sided die (D6), eight-sided die (D8), and the like. Mechanical generators may include spinners, roulette wheels, and the like. And electronic generators may include standalone devices, applications for computers or mobile devices, and/or modules incorporated into electronic versions of the word game.

For the purposes of ease and convenience, the terms “die” and “dice” will be understood to refer the various types of random number generators throughout this Detailed Description.

The word game may further include one or more timers allowing the Round Leader to set a predetermined time during which the players must create their answer or “Round Response”. For the purposes of ease and convenience, the terms “answer” and “Round Response” will be used interchangeably throughout this Detailed Description. In various embodiments, multiple timers may be provided with each timer having a different predetermined time interval. For example, four sand timers may be provided measuring 30 second, 60 second, 90 second, and 120 second time intervals, respectively.

One will appreciate that other types of timers may be utilized including, but not limited to, egg-timers, stopwatches, electromechanical timers, and/or electronic timers. And one will appreciate that electronic timers may be in the form of standalone devices, applications for computers or mobile devices, and/or modules incorporated into electronic versions of the word game.

Scorekeeping tokens may be provided for the purpose of tracking the players’ scores during game play. For example, tokens in the form of chips or “oro” coins may be distributed evenly amongst the players prior to the start of the game, with additional oro coins placed in a “bank”. The tokens may be formed of plastic, metal, or other suitable material, and generally do not have commercial value. As discussed in detail below, the player that amasses the most tokens at the end of play is deemed the “winner”.

In various embodiments, one hundred tokens may be provided, distributed evenly amongst the players, with some tokens reserved for deposit in the bank. During play, one or more tokens may be awarded by players to other players deemed to provide the best respective Round Response, as discussed below. For example, each player may take one token from their designated pile and then award it as a “point” to the player whose answer they liked the best for that round. Upon completion of the word game, the winner may be determined based upon which of the players has accumulated the most tokens.

In various embodiments, the word game may include a game board that provides specific locations and information used in conjunction with the deck of topic cards, the random number generator, the timers, and the tokens. Among other things, the game board may be configured with positions for the deck of cards, the timers, and the tokens. In addition, the game board may be configured to clearly indicate which of the players is the Round Leader and indicate the current Round Word Count, as shown in FIG. 1 and discussed below.

In various embodiments, notepads and pencils or other suitable means may be provided to record Round Responses, player scores, an/or other game-related information.

Turning now to play of the word game, general principles of play will now be discussed. For example, one exemplary embodiment of play is illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4 .

Preliminary matters may be taken care of, including distribution of scorekeeping tokens, shuffling the deck of topic cards, and placing the shuffled deck on a playing surface between the players with the top sides of the topic cards facing up. When a game board is used, the shuffled deck 32 may be placed on a TOPIC CARDS position of game board 39 as shown in FIG. 3A.

The players may agree to the number of “sets” to be played, or to the number of “rounds” to be played. A “Round” is a sequence of events during which (i) players will create or develop “Round Responses” based upon the topic and Round Category selected by the Round Leader, (ii) the players share their Round Responses, and (iii) the players award one or more tokens to another player deemed as giving the best Round Response. A set may include the number of rounds completed once all players have acted as Round Leader. Alternatively, a set may include a specific number of rounds, such as a number corresponding to the number of players participating in the word game. A “game” is finished when the predetermined number of sets or rounds have been completed as agreed upon by the players at the start of the word game.

A Round Leader may be selected that will officiate a “round” during which players develop and share their Round Responses and then award tokens to other players for the best Round Responses. The Round Leader may be chosen by random selection, for example, by the highest roll of a die. If there is a tie of two players having the same number, they may cancel each other out and the next highest number may become the Round Leader. Alternatively, the tying players may roll again and again until one player has the highest roll.

In various embodiments, the Round Leader may be awarded a token for being Round Leader to provide an added element of random chance to scorekeeping, which token may be taken from the bank. The token may be also used to represent which one of the players is acting as Round Leader. For example, if the player to the left of game board 39 is acting as Round Leader, a token may be placed on the left side of a ROUND LEADER space of the game board, as shown in FIG. 3A.

Once a Round Leader is selected, they may (a) draw a topic card from the deck, (b) roll a die to determine which category on the back of topic card will serve as Round Category, (c) read the Round Category to the other players, (d) roll the dice to determine a Round Word Count, and (e) select the amount of time allotted for players to create their answers. The Round Leader may also be responsible for making other decisions concerning answers and timing and clarifying any other issues that may arise during the round. The duties of Round Leader moves from player to player with each successive round. The duties of Round Leader may be assigned randomly (e.g., by highest roll of the die) or in an ordered manner (e.g., moving clockwise around the table).

The Round Leader generally draws a topic card from a top of the deck of topic cards and turns the drawn topic card over to reveal the corresponding categories on the back side thereof to the remaining players, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The Round Leader may then roll a die to determine the Round Category. For example, if the Round Leader rolls a “4” as shown in FIG. 3C, the Round Category is “4. Digging”. In order to track the number rolled, the die may be placed in a ROUND CATEGORY space of the game board allowing all players to see which of the categories is the current Round Category. In various embodiments, the Round Leader may read the Round Category aloud to the remaining players.

The Round Leader may also roll a pair of dice to determine a Round Word Count, that is, the number of words the players must use in their respective Round Response for that round. For example, if the Round Leader rolls a “7”, the dice may be placed in a ROUND WORD COUNT space of the game board allowing all players to see the Round Word Count for the present round, as shown in FIG. 3D.

And the Round Leader may then set a predetermined time limit during which the other players must create, develop, fashion, or otherwise form their respective Round Response for that round. For example, if the Round Leader selects one minute as the time limit, the Round Leader may select the 60 second sand timer, turn it over to reset it, and place the sand timer in a TIME LIMIT space of the game board, as shown in FIG. 3E, allowing all players to see the time remaining during which they must develop their Round Response.

Once the time is up, in turn going in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner around the table, the players recite their respective Round Responses for all to hear. In various embodiments, the Round Responses must be fashioned beginning with the phrase “If Only ...”.

Beginning with the Round Leader and followed by each of the remaining players, the players award a token to the player they deem to have provided the best respective Round Response. As the Round Responses are generally creative, the “best” Round Response may be highly subjective in which different players award tokens for different Round Responses. Each player takes one token from their designated pile and then awards it to the player whose answer they liked the best for that round.

The above steps may be repeated until all of the players have a turn as Round Leader, or until the predetermined number of rounds or sets have been completed. The winner may then be determined based upon which of the players has accumulated the most tokens.

While the word game has been described as a tabletop card game or board game, one will appreciate that in various embodiments the word game may be an electronic game played on a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, mobile device, or other electronic device. And the electronic game may be played locally, or remotely via the internet, or via other networked connection.

One exemplary method of playing the word game can now be described in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Preliminary matters are first addressed in which the group of players decides how many sets they want to play in the game. The players may evenly distribute amongst themselves the tokens to be used for scoring. Preferably each player has enough tokens to give one coin per round to another player and one bonus coin per game to be given if they choose when there are two exceptional answers in one round. And the remaining tokens may be set in the center of a table or on the appropriate space on a game board as the “bank”.

A deck of eighty topic cards may be shuffled then placed in a stack in the center of the table or game board with the topic side showing, for example, Delicious Delights, Music Mania, Feelings From A-Z, etc. With reference to FIG. 3A, the topic showing is “It Takes All Kinds of Animals”. The players may be provided notepads and pencils to use to write down their answers, keep score, and/or other game information.

One player begins as the Round Leader and draws the top card from the deck of topic cards. The Round Leader turns the topic card over to reveal the five categories on the back side corresponding to the topic on the top of the topic card, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The Round Leader rolls one die to determine which of the five categories on the back of the card will be the Round Category, that is, the basis of the player answers for that round. The number “6” on the die is a “freebie” or “wildcard” that allows the Round Leader to select whichever category they want from that card. The resulting roll of the die may be placed on the center of the table or on the appropriate space on a game board for all players to see the selected category, as shown in FIG. 3C (see, e.g., the “4” die on the ROUND CATEGORY/ROUND WORD COUNT space).

The Round Leader rolls both dice to determine the Round Word Count, that is, the number of words to be used in the answers of that round. Thus, a pair of dice may be used to randomly select a Round Word Count of two to twelve. All players must use the same number of words in their answer during a round. The pair of dice determining the Round Word Count may be placed on the center of the table or on the appropriate space on a game board for all to see, as shown in FIG. 3D (see, e.g., the “1” and “6” dice on the ROUND CATEGORY/ROUND WORD COUNT space).

The Round Leader selects one of four timers, which timer determines how much time all the players have to create their answer to the phrase, “If Only” basing their answers on the topic and category and using the randomly predetermined number of words. The timer may be placed on the center of the table or on the appropriate game board space for all to see, as shown in FIG. 3E (see, e.g., the “60” timer on the TIME LIMIT space).

All players create their answers keeping within the determined parameters for the round including Topic, Category, and Round Word Count (i.e., the number of words in the answer). And the Round Leader calls time when time is up.

The Round Leader begins by telling their answer, that is, reciting their Round Response. The Round Leader begins their answer with the phrase “If Only...” followed by their creative recitation that relates to the Topic and Category. The next player does the same, and so forth around the table, until all players have recited their respective answer. If a player challenges another player’s answer, the Round Leader makes the decision as to whether or not to allow the answer to stand.

Once all players have recited their answer, the Round Leader begins the scoring process and awards one of their tokens to the player whom they thought gave the best answer. The next player does the same, and so forth around the table, until each player has awarded a token to the player they believe gave the best answer.

Each player has a “bonus” token they may elect to award at some point during the game when they are particularly impressed with an answer or two in the same Round (two if they cannot decide which answer to award their bonus token to in that round).

The position of Round Leader now moves to the next player, who repeats the process. After each round, the topic card that was pulled for that round goes into a discard pile, which may be positioned on the center of the table or on the appropriate space on a game board. When their turn comes, a Round Leader may “reject” the top card of the stack, discard it, and use the next card in the stack. If the pile of topic cards is depleted prior to the end of the game, the topic cards in the discard pile are reshuffled and appropriately placed for continued use.

Once all players have acted as Round Leader, a “set” is complete. Play continues until the agreed-upon number of sets are completed, thus ending the game. The player with the greatest number of tokens at the end of the game is the winner!

The final round may be a “Rapid Fire Round” where the players have only 30 seconds to come up with their answers regardless of the difficulty of the topic and category.

The “bank” of tokens may be used for tokens to be given out for a particularly good answer to award extra effort or creativity. The group as a whole may decide when such a bonus token is given out. This might be when a player cleverly uses a previous answer in their answer, or makes a pun, or an alliteration, a metaphor, a simile, or other literary device that shows adroit or thoughtful efforts. As such, the word game may range from hilarious to thoughtful to profound and may provide wonderful fun for all.

As noted above, the actual topics used may vary depending upon various themes. Such themes may include Valentine’s Day, BFF (Best Friends Forever), Parents, Kids, the Sciences, LGBTQ, Birthdays, Holidays, Nostalgic 1950′s, Hippies in the 60′s, Warm & Fuzzies, Cautionary Tales, Family, Friends, Black History, Period Cultures, Literary Lovers, Music Matters, Millennials, Superpowers, Educators, Organizations, Opposites, and Gardening.

One will appreciate that the game board may have various configurations. For example, the game board may be laminated to provide a dry-erase surface in which players can use dry-erase markers to removably write information on the game board including, but not limited to, player names, the current Round Leader, selected Round Categories, determined Round Word Counts, set time limits, player round scores, player accumulated scores, and the like.

In various embodiments, the game board may have a pathway made up of action squares, such as that shown in FIG. 5 . In such embodiments, the Round Leader may move a marker (e.g., one of the tokens) the same number of action squares as their initial die roll. The Round Leader may then execute whatever action is stipulated on the landed-upon action square. Thus, the action squares may facilitate the Round Leader in determining the Round Category, determining the Round Word Count, and selecting a predetermined time.

Each action square may dictate specific duties of the Round Leader such as selecting a particular Category (e.g., “Category 5”), a specific Round Word Count (e.g., “12 Words”), a specific time limit (e.g., “2 Mins”), and/or other commands/parameters (e.g., “Advance 3 Spaces”, “Lose a Turn”, etc.). Generally, each “action square” dictates one or more of the parameters generally determined by the Round Leader. Additionally, some action squares will be forfeits, and some will be bonuses (e.g., “Lose a Turn”, “Gain 1 Coin”, etc.).

Whatever functions are not prescribed by the landed-upon action square, the functions may be determined by the Round Leader in a manner similar to that described above. Once the players finish reciting their answers and have awarded tokens to the “best” answers, the players may again roll a die to determine who will be the next Round Leader. Play may continue until the marker reaches an end of the path on the game board.

With continued reference to FIG. 5 , another exemplary method of playing the word game can now be described in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Each player may have a notepad and pencil to use as they develop their answers and track other players’ answers. The group of players may decide who the scorekeeper will be. That person may use their notepad and pencil to track the points for each player as they are earned or lost. The scorekeeper may also give one point to the Round Leader for their opportunity to act as Round Leader.

One deck of topic cards may be selected for play. The topic cards may be shuffled and placed in a stack on the game board with the topic side up. Timers may be placed at hand to be used by players when they are taking their turn as Round Leader. Two or more dice are placed on the game board for play.

All players may roll a die, with the player rolling the highest number taking a turn as Round Leader. However, if two or more players have same high-number roll, they may cancel each other out and the next highest number rolled determines the Round Leader.

The Round Leader moves a marker (e.g., a token) along a path of the game board the number of squares corresponding to number of their roll for Round Leader. In the illustrated embodiment, the path is a spiral pathway, however, one will appreciate that the path may take various shapes and forms. The Round Leader announces what action(s) the landed-upon action square instructs. For example, “Category 5”, “4 words”, “Advance 3 Spaces”, etc. If the action square dictates a loss of points, the loss can only take the player to zero, as there are no negative scores.

The Round Leader then draws the top card from the deck of topic cards, announces the topic and turns the card over to reveal the five associated categories for that topic. As described above, the word game generally requires developing answers based on three parameters, a topic and its attendant category, a randomly predetermined number of words in the answers, and the amount of time the allowed to develop the answers. In conjunction with the Round Leader rolling a die and moving a marker, the action squares serve as a random number generator to select the Round Category, to determine Round Word Count, and/or to set a randomly predetermined time limit. In particular, the Round Leader executes the action(s) as indicated on the landed-upon action square thus providing certain parameters by which the players must develop their answers. The action squares may prescribe one or more actions that guide parameters of that round.

The top card of the deck is drawn by the Round Leader thereby determining the topic of the round. As described above, the drawn card is turned over to reveal its categories on the back of the card pertaining to the topic. One of these categories will be used as the basis for the players’ answer. Players answers need not include any actual words from the category but they do need to allude to the general meaning or spirit of the category.

If the action square dictates which category to use, that is what the Round Leader must use. If the square does not indicate which category to use, the Round Leader will roll a die and use the category that corresponds to the die number. In various embodiments, there are five categories and six numbers on the die, and the number “6” is a “freebie” or “wildcard” and the Round Leader will decide which of the five categories they want to use for that round.

Next, the Round Leader may determine the number of words to be used in the players answers. If the action square addresses the number of words, that is the number of words (i.e., Round Word Count) that every player must use in their answer. If the action square does not address the number of words, the Round Leader may roll a pair of dice to determine the Round Word Count. This number is the number of words to be used by each player in their answer for that round to the question, “If Only...” without counting the two words “If Only” even though every answer preferably begins with that phrase. If the pair of dice show two “1s” for a total of two words, the Round Leader may add “10” to that number to give players twelve words they must use for their answers.

Considering the topic, category, and the number of words to be used, if the amount of time is not indicated on the action square, the Round Leader may select a timer to give all players the same amount of time to develop their respective answers. The Round Leader starts the timer, and all players create and record their answers. Once the time is up, the Round Leader calls time and players must stop developing their answers.

The Round Leader then may give their answer first, starting with the phrase, “If Only...” followed by their answer based on the topic and category, using the designated Round Word Count prescribing the number of words allowed. Then the next player may give their answer, and so on around the table, until all players have given their answers.

Each answer has to relate to the chosen topic and category for that round. The words, “If Only...” are not counted as part of the number of words in the answer even though they start each answer, and answer need not include the actual words or terminology of the topic or Round Category. Each answer must consist of the number of words determined as the Round Word Count at the beginning of the round. To adhere to the Round Word Count, contractions may be used if needed. As one plays the game regularly, strategies may be developed which increase their chances of winning.

When giving their answers, each player starts their answer with, “If Only...” so the entire group gets the full impact of the answer. The Round Leader may be responsible for recording every player’s answer in the event players need their memories refreshed on what was said and by whom. If a player is unable to give an answer within a reasonable amount of time when their turn comes, they forfeit that round. A player may challenge another player’s answer for any reason. Players may then decide if they will allow in the answer or not. Majority rules for a decision, with the Round Leader breaking a tie.

After everyone has shared their answer, the Round Leader begins the scoring process by awarding one of their points to the player whom they thought gave the best answer. The next player gives their point to the player they felt gave the best answer. This process continues around the table until every player has given one point to a player whose answer they liked best.

Players are encouraged to award exceptional answers. For example, the group of players may collectively deem an answer exceptional that uses puns, alliterations, homonyms, rhymes, and or other literary devices, or other creative aspects such as clearly being inspired by a previous answer. In such cases, the group may collectively vote to award an extra point (or token from the bank) to the player providing the exceptional answer.

The final round of the game may be a “rapid fire” round having a time limit of thirty seconds, regardless of the complexity of the topic or category. This may be a very strategic moment in the game.

As the marker nears the end of the path, a player may only be Round Leader if they roll a number up to and including the number of squares left on the path to the end. Any rolls of the die that exceeds the available number of squares is disqualified. The game concludes at the end of the path. The player with the most points or tokens is the WINNER!

If there is a tie between two or more players having the same number of points at the end of the game, there may be a “rapid fire” play-off round of only 30 seconds regardless of the topic and category. Only the play-off players develop and recite Round Responses, but all players score the round. The play-off players will roll a die to determine who is Round Leader for this play-off round. The play-off Round Leader selects the next top topic card, rolls a die to determine the Round Category, roll both dice to determine the Round-Word-Count number of words, and then starts the 30-second timer.

A scorekeeper may keep a running tally of the points and announce the score at the end of every round, being certain to give a point for every Round Leader for their round. The scorekeeper may announce the winner at the end of the game.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms “top”, “bottom” or “back”, “left”, and etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention(s) to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention(s) and their practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s), as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention(s) be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a word game among a plurality of players, the word game including a random number generator and a deck of topic cards, each topic card having a topic on a front side thereof and a plurality of categories on a back side thereof, the method comprising: (a) shuffling the deck of topic cards; (b) picking a first one of the players as a Round Leader; (i) drawing a topic card, by the Round Leader, from a top of the deck of topic cards and turning the drawn topic card over to reveal the corresponding categories on the back side thereof to the remaining players; (ii) selecting one of the corresponding categories as a Round Category using a random number generator; (iii) determining a Round Word Count using the random number generator, the random number generator indicating the determined Round Word Count viewable by the remaining players; (iv) reading the Round Category, by the Round Leader, to the remaining players; (v) setting, by the Round Leader, a predetermined time limit for response; (vi) fashioning a Round Response, by each of the remaining players, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned based upon the Round Category within the predetermined time limit, and wherein the number of words of each Round Response must equal the Round Word Count; (vii) reciting, in turn by each of the remaining players, a respective Round Response fashioned by each of the remaining players; (viii) awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the remaining players, a point to the remaining player deemed to provide the best respective Round Response; and (c) repeating each of the steps (i) through (viii) until all of the players have a turn as Round Leader; and (d) determining the winner based upon which of the players has accumulated the most points.
 2. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the deck of topic cards comprises topic cards formed of card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blends, and/or or thin plastic.
 3. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the deck of topic cards includes 80 cards, each topic card having one of 20 topics on the front side thereof, and each topic card having 5 descriptive categories on the back side thereof .
 4. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the random number generator includes a pair of dice, and wherein selecting one of the corresponding categories is accomplished by rolling one of the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, to select one of the corresponding categories as a Round Category.
 5. The word game according to claim 4, wherein designating the Round Word Count is accomplished by rolling the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, to designate the Round Word Count.
 6. The word game according to claim 4, wherein the selecting a first one of the players is accomplished by each of the players rolling one of the pair of dice, with the Round Leader being the player having the highest roll.
 7. The word game according to claim 4, wherein the pair of dice comprise a pair of six-sided cubes with each side having a different number of dots ranging from one to six.
 8. The word game according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of categories on each topic card includes five categories, and wherein the rolling a first die is accomplished with a roll of one to five selecting a corresponding category as the Round Category and a roll of six allowing the Round Leader to select any of the corresponding categories as the Round Category.
 9. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the word game further includes a plurality of timers, each timer having a different predetermined time of 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, wherein the Round Leader sets the predetermined time limit by actuating one of the timers.
 10. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the word game further includes score-keeping tokens, and wherein the method further comprising distributing the score-keeping tokens among the players, and wherein awarding is accomplished by awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the remaining players, a token to the remaining player deemed to provide the best respective Round Response, and wherein determining the winner is based upon which of the players has accumulated the most tokens.
 11. The word game according to claim 1, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned beginning with the phrase “If Only ... ”.
 12. A method of playing a word game among a plurality of players, the word game including a game board having a playing surface, score-keeping tokens, a pair of dice, and a deck of topic cards, each topic card having a topic on a front side thereof and a plurality of categories on a back side thereof, the method comprising: (a) distributing the score-keeping tokens among the players; (b) shuffling the deck of topic cards and placing the shuffled deck on the playing surface between the players with the front sides facing up; (c) picking a first one of the players as a Round Leader; (i) drawing a topic card, by the Round Leader, from the top of the deck of topic cards and turning the drawn topic card over to reveal the corresponding categories on the back side thereof to the remaining players; (ii) rolling one of the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, on the playing surface to select one of the corresponding categories as a Round Category; (iii) rolling the pair of dice, by the Round Leader, on the playing surface to randomly determine a Round Word Count, wherein the game board includes a Round Word Count space, and the Round Leader places the pair of dice on the Round Word Count space to indicating the determined Round Word Count viewable by the remaining players; (iv) reading the Round Category, by the Round Leader, to the remaining players; (v) setting a timer, by the Round Leader, to set a predetermined time limit for response; (vi) fashioning a Round Response, by each of the remaining players, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned based upon the Round Category within the predetermined time limit, and wherein the number of words of each Round Response must equal the Round Word Count; (vii) reciting, in turn by each of the remaining players, a respective Round Response fashioned by each of the remaining players; (viii) awarding, in turn by the Round Leader and each of the remaining players, a token to the remaining player deemed to provide the best respective Round Response; and (d) repeating each of the steps (i) through (viii) until all of the players have a turn as Round Leader; and (e) determining the winner based upon which of the players has accumulated the most tokens.
 13. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the score-keeping tokens include chips and/or coins.
 14. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the pair of dice comprise a pair of six-sided cubes with each side having a different number of dots ranging from one to six.
 15. The word game according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of categories on each topic card includes five categories, and wherein the rolling a first die is accomplished with a roll of one to five selecting a corresponding category as the Round Category and a roll of six allowing the Round Leader to select any one of the corresponding categories as the Round Category.
 16. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the deck of topic cards comprises topic cards formed of card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blends, thin plastic or laminations.
 17. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the deck of topic cards includes 80 cards, each topic card having one of 20 topics on the front side thereof, and each topic card having 5 descriptive categories on the back side thereof .
 18. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the word game further includes a plurality of timers, each timer having a different predetermined time of 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, wherein the Round Leader sets the predetermined time limit by actuating one of the timers.
 19. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the selecting a first one of the players is accomplished by each of the players rolling one of the pair of dice, with the Round Leader being the player having the highest roll.
 20. The word game according to claim 12, wherein the Round Response must be fashioned beginning with the phrase “If Only ...”. 